Selected Balance Sheet information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 34,099,095		$ 35,749,333
Deposits	24,466,105		26,711,145
PUERTO RICO
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	25,616,813		25,714,758
Loans	17,657,925		18,107,764
Deposits	19,995,426		19,730,408
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	6,228,593		8,897,535
Loans	3,747,907		5,839,115
Deposits	3,530,796		6,007,159
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,124,636		1,137,040
Loans	785,655		759,840
Deposits	$ 939,883	[1]	$ 973,578	[1]

[1] Represents deposits from BPPR operations located in the US and British Virgin Islands.